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Hurricane Relief Efforts
August 2005

Responses by Higher Education
Every one of the following colleges and universities has made tremendous efforts on the part of the victims, including the admission of those students whose schools were devastated by Katrina, and active participation in local and national relief agencies. For further information, please go to this website: http://www.masscolleges.org/members/contact.asp

To submit an item to this list, click here.

Amherst College

• Amherst College athletic teams have coordinated a relief effort by filling a rental truck with supplies to be driven by their own lacrosse coach
• Free tuition will be provided to high school graduates from the affected area
• Over $1,100 has been raised in relief funds

Babson College

• Half the proceeds from the annual 5k will be donated to Katrina relief projects
• Donations are being accepted around campus on behalf of the Red Cross
• Beads for Bourbon Street and other student efforts are aimed at selling items like small gifts and t-shirts to raise money for Katrina victims

Bentley College

• A food and water drive is being planned
• A "Campout for Katrina" fundraiser will be used to contribute to relief efforts

Boston College

• Hosting a Blood Drive on the 19th of September
• A website devoted to eyewitness reports by alumni in devastated areas
• Provision of temporary emergency housing for dozens of displaced students at St. Williams Hall

Brandeis University

• The class of 2009 personally raised a combined $2,500 as part of orientation activities and the Student Activities Fair
• Student government representatives have been meeting to discuss hurricane relief strategies
• An Anthropology professor has organized a course on the Katrina crisis, which will include educational panels

Clark University

• Residence hall collections have been matched by Best Buy for a total of $12,000 in Red Cross donations
• A "Katrina Relief Effort" with a benefits concert ($2 admission) that will get matching funds from Target
• Getting vital supplies to evacuees at Otis Air Force Base via the Black Ministerial Alliance

Endicott College

• A Hurricane Benefit Concert on September 18th which includes raffles and games (A $10 donation is asked for a hopeful goal of $5,000)

Holyoke Community College

• Adoption of a New Orleans community college
• Large-scale fundraising efforts for the Red Cross
• Non-monetary donation drives (supplies)
• Creation of an Alternative Inter-Session to take a group of students into the affected area to help efforts

Lasell College

• Education and volunteering campaigns on relief options
• Efforts to provide free education and housing for displaced students

Massachusetts College of Art

• A supply drive has been organized to provide arts supplies for affected schools
• A fee waiver for any affected student who has no outstanding tuition bills for their original school

Mount Ida College

• Raising donations for the Red Cross
• A school supply drive to be sent to Louisiana Association for the Education of Homeless Children & Youth.
• A discussion panel on the nature of New Orleans and the economic impacts of the hurricane on the city

Mount Wachusett Community College

• A volunteer expo on Wednesday, October 5th together with the Red Cross will provide orientation to interested volunteers
• Volunteers for vital clerical work for the Red Cross can establish themselves through college contacts (Amanda Landry)
• Establishment of a planning committee to host a fundraising event (Lea Ann Erickson)
• Free tuition and fees for courses and distance learning programs for affected students

North Shore Community College

• NSCC is selling blue wristbands at a dollar each with proceeds going to Katrina Disaster Relief
• The Multi-Cultural Society is donating the proceeds of a recycling drive
• On November 4th, a Mardi Gras themed fundraising event is being planned

Northeastern University

• Outreach to Northeastern students from affected areas
• Special student status for non-NEU students who wish to take classes for the remainder of their displacement

Simmons College

• The Center for the Study of Children's Literature and the Scott Ross Center will conduct a children's book drive
• The Simmons School of Social Work may institute courses geared toward hurricane relief efforts
• The Scott Ross Center is also organizing a "response team" coordinate relief efforts

Stonehill College
KatrinaResponse@stonehill.edu, 1-866-622-9976

• Establishment of Hurricane Response Team to coordinate efforts:
  1. Friday, September 16th Fundraising Day: a day of to collect donations and reach out to affected Stonehill alumni as well as participation in the National Day of Prayer
  2. Project Backpack: collecting and sending school supplies to those children in the affected area
  3. Outreach to Our Lady of the Holy Cross College in New Orleans, a sister-school of Stonehill
• Several families from the local community have volunteered to house displaced families and students
• Admission and free tuition to any student displaced by Katrina from New Orleans, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida via a special "visiting" status

Tufts University

• Volunteers willing to double and triple-house in order to accommodate incoming Tulane students
• Acceptance of nearly 40 Tulane students and collection of tuition payments for Tulane which will be used to help rebuild the university
• Numerous student-led activities including a fundraising BBQ
• Use of the annual Tufts Community Appeal to provide and channel donations to charities supporting victims of Hurricane Katrina

University of Massachusetts

• Admission to displaced students
• $1500 meal donation to the Red Cross
• Possible adoption of a Mississippi elementary school through the Catholic Campus Ministries
• The development of a Kids Book & Game Collection as part of relief efforts

Wentworth Institute of Technology

• Admission to displaced students
• Outreach to missing and displaced alumni

Williams College
In honor of Hurricane Relief Week (Sept. 25th - Oct. 1st): >

• Students will meet to chalk sidewalks to raise awareness
• Cajun-style dinners with proceeds going to relief efforts
• A solidarity vigil to support the victims
• Panel discussions to figure out what went wrong and how individuals were affected
• A "Taste of the South" benefit concert will be held

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Relief Organizations
Numerous non-profit relief organizations have increased their normal efforts to provide emergency relief to victims in a variety of forms, including several religiously-affiliated support groups. The following are a sample of organizations that can be contacted by potential volunteers/donators.

American Red Cross
Donations made to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund enable the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need. Call 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Mail in Donations at: American Red Cross Disaster Response Fund at P.O. Box 37243, Washington D.C. 20013

Baton Rouge Area Foundation
"Baton Rouge Area Foundation is a nonprofit organization that forms partnerships with philanthropists, nonprofit organizations and other community leaders to ensure that our community can exceed any challenge, and that our residents have every opportunity to succeed."
877-387-6126 402 North Fourth Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802

Greater Boston Food Bank
"The Greater Boston Food Bank distributes over 24 million pounds of food annually to hundreds of local hunger-relief agencies in a dedicated partnership to feed our region's hungry."
A local affiliate of Second Harvest, it has supplied 2 truckloads of paper goods, among other things, thanks to donations from companies such as Gillette.
617-427-5200

Humane Society
Animal disaster relief.
1-888-259-5431
Memo checks to: HSUS Disaster Relief Fund
HSUS, Dept DRFHBM, 2100 L Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20037

International Medical Corporation
"International Medical Corps is a global humanitarian nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives and relieving suffering through health care training and relief and development programs."
1-800-481-4462

Noah's Wish
Noah's Wish is a not-for-profit, animal welfare organization, with a straightforward mission. We exist to keep animals alive during disasters. That's it.
Send checks to: Noah's Wish, P.O. Box 997, Placerville, CA, 95667
530-622-9313

Points of Light Foundation
"The Foundation's mission is to engage more people more effectively in volunteer community service to help solve serious social problems."
Katrina@PointsofLight.org
202-729-8000

Second Harvest
"The mission of America's Second Harvest is to create a hunger-free America. We distribute food and grocery products through a nationwide network of certified affiliates, increase public awareness of domestic hunger, and advocate for policies that benefit America's hungry."
"Second Harvest" has sent 478 truckloads of food carrying enough for about 12.9 million meals to victims.
1-800-771-2303
America's Second Harvest - The Nation's Food Bank Network Development, 35 East Wacker Drive, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL, 60601

UNICEF
"Since 1947, the U.S. Fund for UNICEF has supported the work of the United Nations Children's Fund by raising support for its programs and increasing public awareness of the challenges facing the world's children." 1-800-4UNICEF

United Way Relief Fund
"We will build a stronger America by mobilizing our communities to improve people's lives."
Send checks to: United Way of America, P.O. Box 630568, Baltimore, MD 21263-0568. Put "Hurricane Katrina" in the memo line.
1-800-272-4630

We've Got Your Back

• Providing school supplies to the kids of the Gulf Coast
• Backpacks can be stuffed with supplies and personal items and mailed to:

We've Got Your Back, Hogg Middle School, 1100 Merrill Street, Houston, TX 77009

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Religious Organizations

Catholic Charities
"Catholic Charities USA is the membership association of one of the nation's largest social service networks. Catholic Charities agencies and institutions nationwide provide vital social services to people in need, regardless of their religious, social, or economic backgrounds."
800-919-9338.

Episcopal Relief and Development
"Episcopal Relief and Development responds to human suffering around the world. We provide emergency assistance after disasters, rebuild communities, and help children and families climb out of poverty."
1-800-334-7626

Feed the Children
"Feed The Children is a Christian, international, nonprofit relief organization with headquarters in Oklahoma City, Okla., that delivers food, medicine, clothing and other necessities to individuals, children and families who lack these essentials due to famine, war, poverty or natural disaster."

• Non-perishable ready-eat-foods like snacking items and cans with pop-off tops as well as bottled water
• New clothing of all sorts, new blankets and bedding, personal hygiene items, emergency materials like flashlights, trash bags and plastic containers, work gloves, toys, and cleaning supplies
• Contact: Jennifer Garrett (405) 945-4141
• 800-525-7575

Habitat for Humanity
"As one of the world's largest builders of decent, safe and affordable housing, Habitat recognizes the need to develop long-term shelter solutions with disaster-affected families and help communities protect themselves against future threats in disaster-prone areas."
Habitat for Humanity International, 121 Habitat Street, Americus, GA 31709-3498

Islamic Relief
"Islamic Relief strives to alleviate suffering, hunger, illiteracy and diseases worldwide regardless of color, race or creed, and to provide aid in a compassionate and dignified manner. Islamic Relief aims to provide rapid relief in the event of human and natural disasters and to establish local development projects to eradicate poverty, illiteracy and disease."
1-800-638-3522

Lutheran Disaster Relief
"LDR responds to disasters in the United States and its territories to deliver services to survivors and the impacted community throughout all stages of the disaster response (emergency, relief and long-term recovery)."
1-800-638-3522

Operation Blessing
"When disaster strikes, Operation Blessing is there. With emergency relief supplies, water, food and medical care, Operation Blessing teams meet urgent needs worldwide and remain alongside disaster victims as they recovery."
1-757-226-3401

Presbyterian Disaster Relief
1-800-872-3283
"Presbyterian Disaster Assistance enables congregations and mission partners of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) to witness to the healing love of Christ through caring for communities adversely affected by crisis and catastrophic events."

Salvation Army
"A $100 donation to The Salvation Army will feed a family of four for two days, provide two cases of drinking water and one household clean-up kit, containing brooms, mops, buckets, and cleaning supplies," the website states. Call 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Salvation Army PO Box 4857, Jackson, MS 39296-4857

Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Fund
Southern Baptist efforts are correlated primarily with the American Red Cross, and with other private agencies. Send checks to: North American Mission Board (NAMB), P.O. Box 116543, Atlanta, GA 30368-6543.

United Jewish Communities
"United Jewish Communities represents and serves one of the world's largest and most effective networks of social service providers and programs. Men, women and children - both professionals and volunteers - dedicated to safeguarding and enhancing Jewish life. And to meeting the needs of all people, Jews and non-Jews, wherever they live."
1-877-277-2477

United Methodist Committee on Relief
United Methodist Committee on Relief is the not-for-profit humanitarian agency of The United Methodist Church. Send checks to: UMCOR, P.O. Box 9068, New York, NY 10087-9068 Call: 800-554-8583

United Universalist Service Committee
"The Unitarian Universalist Association shall devote its resources to and exercise its corporate powers for religious, educational and humanitarian purposes."
1-888-792-5885

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National Efforts

Corporation for National and Community Service

Total AmeriCorps & Senior Corps Volunteers as 9/15: 5,761

AmeriCorps (State/National, VISTA, NCCC)
Total of Members Responding: 1,675

• AmeriCorps*State/National: 1,079 members responding
• AmeriCorps*VISTA: 346 members responding
• AmeriCorps*NCCC: 250 members responding

Major Activities: Social service and mass care provision, shelter operations, supply collection and distribution, public school assistance (in evacuee areas), volunteer management, debris cleanup, park cleanup, call center staffing, fund raising, children's activities, support of Red Cross, FEMA, state and local agencies.

Senior Corps (RSVP, Foster Grandparents, Senior Companions)

Total of Volunteers Responding: 4,086

• RSVP: 3,805 volunteers responding
• Foster Grandparent Program: 218 volunteers responding
• Senior Companion Program: 63 volunteers responding

Major Activities: Shelter operations, meal provision, supply collection and distribution, public school assistance (in evacuee areas), housing arrangements and referrals, blood drive assistance, call center staffing, support of state and local organizations and agencies.

In addition, more than 75,000 students in the Learn and Serve America program are helping with relief efforts in communities around the country in projects such collecting school supplies and preparing disaster relief kits.

For more information about the CNCS response, visit www.nationalservice.gov.

AmeriCorps

• NCCC members assisting in mass care through the Red Cross in Louisiana
• AmeriCorps volunteers are providing needed supplies to the Baton Rouge area through Habitat for Humanity
• Members are working with the Louisiana Delta Service Corps in local shelters
• RSVP volunteers are providing a wide variety of services in various counties of Alabama
• A 10-member NCCC team in Montgomery provides support at a call center and a supply warehouse
• 3 St. Louis AmeriCorps Emergency Response Team members and 2 NCCC members distribute food and clothes in Mobile
• National Alliance of Vietnamese American Social Agencies provide translation to for the Vietnamese community in Bayou LaBatre outside of Mobile
• 50 NCC members in Biloxi and Jackson are conducting vital services including assisting FEMA

National Service-Learning Clearinghouse
Lesson on the area including ways to help and cultural information, fundraising lesson plans, etc.

American Association of Community Colleges pledges its support and has taken outreach steps including completely free tuition and admission and efforts to provide uninterrupted financial aid to students who's schools and homes have been devastated. The Education Department has allowed extensions on loan repayments and to grant waivers to schools on having to report financial aid information in an effort to help students.

The American Council on Education and the National Association of College and University Business Officers have created campusrelief.org as an information clearinghouse on efforts and suggestions: http://www.campusrelief.org/x6.xml

Suggestions for relief efforts

• Adopt an education institution in the LA, MS, or AL area like a college or a K-12 school
• Raise money and donate it to a locate non-profit, thus securing a full tax deduction
• Focus on raising money for educational needs like books and not physical rebuilding
• Have a book drive and send the books to the children of the devastated school
• Have your local university donate unused computers
• Develop holiday service-learning initiatives in devastated areas
• Pray for and support those who have lost so much

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Government Efforts

http://www.swern.gov/emergency/asset_index.php
A government website which lists specific necessities to donate.

http://www.bostonredcross.org/Hurricane%20Katrina.htm
updates opportunities to provide volunteer relief efforts

Mitt Romney has announced the activation of Operation Helping Hand Volunteer Helpline to reach out to potential volunteers who can assist survivors living in the state.
Staffed from 7:am to 7pm, 1-800-293-4031. This is not for donations. Volunteers can register via email by writing their name, phone number and a short description of skills to katrinavolunteer@state.ma.us

The Education Department has setup up the following website to act as a clearinghouse for helping students: http://www.ed.gov/katrina

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